December 4th, 2014 - Final Blog Post
Dear Readers,
I am only somewhat ashamed to admit that this will be the last blog post on my journey of just really weird and unorganized thoughts on coffee. I am fairly certain that this blog started off as a quest to find the best coffee shop, but it just got progressively farther off track. I totally take fault for all lost bets, promises, and hopes I set in before you at the beginning of this blog journey.
I am taking off, retiring to a far away land to follow my lover Gerty to save her from the Romanian government.
Sike.
I will say that at the end of this I actually found out a lot about myself. I really, really, enjoy coffee. I actually enjoy talking about the different flavors, colors, and smells of coffee with my friends. Thank you so much for joining me this journey. I just don't have the self control and discipline to sit down and make myself laugh over ridiculous vocabulary that sounds like that I should see a doctor. There are plenty of acknowledgements for this blog:
- My Mom, for birthing me. That probably sucked
- My Dad for also birthing me. Wait what
- My housemates, for taking care of me when I was sick and bed ridden
- Rob Ryder, my blog supporter, and probably biggest fan of my own coffee.
- Lastly, Legos.
Signing off.
Man I have no what I just wrote. Hopefolly I get a good grade on this. Whoops I spelled hopefolly wrong. Dangit I did it agin.
T-rent, Out
*mic drop*
Thursday, December 4, 2014
December 4th, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 8)
BOOMSTICKS, HANG IT ON THE FRIDGE, MOM!
We never got to hang things on the fridge because our fridge has a whole bunch of wood on it. However, this is the almighty Costa Rican Blend that I roasted myself. Honestly, I think this is some of the best coffee I have ever had, and I'm pretty sure I am not just saying that. However, I highly recommend home roasting. I wouldn't start a coffee business if I were you, however, because mine will run yours bankrupt.
December 4th, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 7)
The roasting process is something I only touched on briefly. The most amazing thing about roasting coffee is to the "baker's choice" if you will, coffee can be roasted. There are so many different extents of how dark coffee can be roasted to, granted some coffee beans will have a fuller taste when roasted darker compared to lighter. I am not going to touch more on this because I honestly am throwing out rookie numbers right now in my roasting career.
I will say that one of the more peculiar things that comes with roasting coffee is that when the bean is heated, and begins to spin around in the Popper, the "chaff" sheds off of the bean, and can often fly all over the place. It is recommended that you use a dampened towel to catch the chaff, as it is hard to clean up. The more chaff that is shed off, the less dense the bean is, and the faster the bean will spin in the Popper. Here are the different stages of roasting coffee throughout the popper.
The roasting process is something I only touched on briefly. The most amazing thing about roasting coffee is to the "baker's choice" if you will, coffee can be roasted. There are so many different extents of how dark coffee can be roasted to, granted some coffee beans will have a fuller taste when roasted darker compared to lighter. I am not going to touch more on this because I honestly am throwing out rookie numbers right now in my roasting career.
I will say that one of the more peculiar things that comes with roasting coffee is that when the bean is heated, and begins to spin around in the Popper, the "chaff" sheds off of the bean, and can often fly all over the place. It is recommended that you use a dampened towel to catch the chaff, as it is hard to clean up. The more chaff that is shed off, the less dense the bean is, and the faster the bean will spin in the Popper. Here are the different stages of roasting coffee throughout the popper.
Fire risk makes me L-O-L
December 4th, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 6)
As you can see this is the almighty Ethoipian. Arguably one of the most favorited coffee bean regions in all of the world. I am super pumped to roast this big dog because this is a bit of a darker roast, and tis one of the few coffee beans I can actually taste the listed characteristics: fruity body. I enjoy it a lot, and my housemates keep peer pressuring me to roast it. I feel pretty cool acting casual about roasting, like I am some sort of hot shot.
December 4th, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 4)
Above are the featured Nicaraguan beans that came with the sample. Granted, all of the coffee beans that are still in their "raw" form, have not been roasted yet. As you can see each bean comes with a description of the flavors that come with the bean. I am excited for the Nicaraguan, because I thoroughly enjoy dark coffee.
December 4th, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 3)
Greetings Dear Readers, as we draw closer and closer to the end of my blog, I thought I would finish off my tutorial of how my experience of roasting coffee was. Luckily, sweetmarias.com provided an incredible deal that with your Crazy Air Popcorn Popper you could get 4 1 lb samples of 4 different coffee beans from around the world. Here are the Following Coffee Beans! Not featured in the group picture is the Costa Rican, because I already roasted it!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
December 2nd, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 2)
I reveal to you the machine I use to Home Roast! The Crazy Air Popcorn Popper. The nice thing about this machine is that it roasts beans incredibly fast. For lighter roasts it takes only about 5-6 minutes, and only a minute or two longer for a darker roast. This machinery is incredible: I recommend it for its speed, and heat, however be careful of the strong smell it produces, and how often you use it. Because it is not designed for coffee beans, there is no warranty for its destruction.
I reveal to you the machine I use to Home Roast! The Crazy Air Popcorn Popper. The nice thing about this machine is that it roasts beans incredibly fast. For lighter roasts it takes only about 5-6 minutes, and only a minute or two longer for a darker roast. This machinery is incredible: I recommend it for its speed, and heat, however be careful of the strong smell it produces, and how often you use it. Because it is not designed for coffee beans, there is no warranty for its destruction.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
December 2nd, 2014 - Home Roasting Series (Part 1)
As you know dear readers, I have a love for the coffee industry, so I pondered to myself what the next stage of addiction would entail... Spoiler alert it is roasting coffee beans from home. At first I was baffled of what was to come but was intrigued by the fun, and simplicity behind quality coffee.
First, I talked to multiple shop owners, and most recommended me to the site sweetmarias.com. This is a coffee company that sells coffee beans, machines, and everything else you could possibly imagine that would be needed for roasting coffee. With that being said, I purchased a multitude of things (which I will elaborate in later posts).
I highly recommend this website. These guys are some of the few companies that sell green coffee beans, from all over, at a non-bulk size. You are even able to buy as small as 1 lb! Great and essential site for home roasters.
As you know dear readers, I have a love for the coffee industry, so I pondered to myself what the next stage of addiction would entail... Spoiler alert it is roasting coffee beans from home. At first I was baffled of what was to come but was intrigued by the fun, and simplicity behind quality coffee.
First, I talked to multiple shop owners, and most recommended me to the site sweetmarias.com. This is a coffee company that sells coffee beans, machines, and everything else you could possibly imagine that would be needed for roasting coffee. With that being said, I purchased a multitude of things (which I will elaborate in later posts).
I highly recommend this website. These guys are some of the few companies that sell green coffee beans, from all over, at a non-bulk size. You are even able to buy as small as 1 lb! Great and essential site for home roasters.
December 2nd, 2014 - Home Roasting Series!
Dear Readers,
I am pleased to announce that my housemates and I started to make our own coffee from home. Over the next couple of days I will be going through the materials, machinery, and strategy behind roasting green coffee beans from home. Our house, the Coop, has decided upon the name "Coop Coffee Roasters". Stay tuned dear readers for the following 9 blog posts about the fun I have had!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
November 4th, 2014 - Mission Coffee
NOTICE: After this blog, I will be writing in third person.
The warm, soft sun's rays leaped upon my mildly bronzed, and less than mildly sized arms reminded me how I should not let the hideous day of Tuesday ruin my mood; therefore I did what every wanna-be hipster does: drink Coffee. I left class early to treat myself to remind me how much better I am than Tuesday... Besides, who needs Tuesday, I don't need to love you! Such a dark thing Tuesday.. Why can't you love me...
As I stepped into Columbus Ohio's very own - Mission Coffee - I was immediately punched in the face with the aroma of coffee beans from different countries. I had never seen so many Macklemore haircuts, and fine leather boots, bags, and journals, that I wondered if I had accidentally walked into better smelling, worse lighting H&M... As I have mentioned before dear readers I have the tenacity of a small house cat, but the consistency and veternship of playing it cooler than even the titan Grease Lightning would dare to look at. I boldly, yet humbly, stumbled my way to the line, with a bit of spunk in my step.
Now imagine dear readers, the 3rd of 4th coolest person you've ever met (Of course behind the Dos Equis Man, Ulysses S. Grant and Michael Jackson-pre... well never mind), with the swagger of Steve Buscemi in Spy Kids 2, who wishes he was just a couple inches taller. This man you envision is me. This time the barista didn't even ask me what I wanted to drink, but out of nowhere dear readers Thunderstruck by AC/DC began playing over head, louder and louder.
The barista looked at me.
As he looked at me, he raised his eyebrow...
Then dear readers, I did what every darkhorse would do
I gave him the nod.
Immediately the barista began making the Cafe Americano that I had telepathically delivered to him. Its superb creaminess shocked me into a pool of whirling thoughts. The cup was full of excitement, with the blended strong, full espresso that complimented the hot water better than peanut butter does jelly. This cup of warm goodness sent from heaven above delivered a blend that a distinct, yet clean buttery hint of nuttiness throughout the cup.
Mission Coffee receives a 10/10, for its incredible staff, instagram lighting, date night possibility, and highly bearded population. Congrats Mission Coffee, you're a 10 out of 10, and #1 in my heart.
Friday, October 31, 2014
One Line Coffee - October 29th, 2014
Do you guys remember Mr. Crocker from Fairly Odd Parents? How weird was that guy?
As I powered through the work week of dismal and despair, I was convinced to enlighten my spirits with a nice cup of joe. Though one may think I would of gone my normal roots of brewing coffee for my housemates and I, I meandered my way to a coffee shop my young eyes were yet to lay eyes upon what was before me - One Line Coffee. I was immediately flabbergasted by the amount of options I had, and how sophisticated their names were. Then, my roommate Peter remarked on the drink he wanted, as if a Pirate, had once loved his beautiful ship... A ship that had been loyal to him forever... A life of loyalty one hundredfold... Only to abandon love from walking the plank only never to return...
"Willickers! It's the drink I've always wanted! The bottled slow drip cold brew coffee"
I was frazzled of how frightfully uncouth this citizen had responded. But I must agree. We purchased our drinks, that came in such nifty bottles, even Richard Simmons would of been impressed. The drink was so bitter and full of acid that my taste buds sang with the chorus of one thousand angels. Its rich acidity complimented the butterscotch aroma that all came together to a common denominator of long ripe blossoms.
"Dynamite, this is liquid Gold"
Do you guys remember Mr. Crocker from Fairly Odd Parents? How weird was that guy?
As I powered through the work week of dismal and despair, I was convinced to enlighten my spirits with a nice cup of joe. Though one may think I would of gone my normal roots of brewing coffee for my housemates and I, I meandered my way to a coffee shop my young eyes were yet to lay eyes upon what was before me - One Line Coffee. I was immediately flabbergasted by the amount of options I had, and how sophisticated their names were. Then, my roommate Peter remarked on the drink he wanted, as if a Pirate, had once loved his beautiful ship... A ship that had been loyal to him forever... A life of loyalty one hundredfold... Only to abandon love from walking the plank only never to return...
"Willickers! It's the drink I've always wanted! The bottled slow drip cold brew coffee"
I was frazzled of how frightfully uncouth this citizen had responded. But I must agree. We purchased our drinks, that came in such nifty bottles, even Richard Simmons would of been impressed. The drink was so bitter and full of acid that my taste buds sang with the chorus of one thousand angels. Its rich acidity complimented the butterscotch aroma that all came together to a common denominator of long ripe blossoms.
"Dynamite, this is liquid Gold"
Buy this; or don't. I wont care
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
October 25h, 2014 - Fox in the Snow
A cool crisp breeze strings over the cold ground this past Saturday morning. Just as every Saturday begins, I walked with my two friends Wyatt and Jesse to my car, where we would head to a destination unknown to crave the caffeine gaping hole inside of us that we look forward to the night before. I woke up to the sunshine of one thousand rays perfectly gleaming on my darkened arms like a oiled gazelle running through a springy meadow. Perhaps a gazelle running from the life she thought she loved, leaving all her worries behind...
At 9:00 we stumbled into the car with blurry vision, morning clothes, and bed head. That morning we came to the conclusion we would go to a place we had never been before: Fox in the Snow cafe, a place that had recently opened its doors for the first time with open arms to hipsters, soccer moms, and all in-between. We walked into the Army colored building, with a sign of confidence of those who act like they know their coffee.
"Play it cool, Trent. You got this. Just go up and say you want a cup of coffee." I repeat to myself under my breath that smells so bad that I would warn even God himself to not get involved.
"Ill have two cappuccinos" as I speak for my friend Wyatt and I.
"I got this" as I respond to the girl cashier about how to pay.
DARKHORSE! Cappuccino. Even I did not see this coming. Looking back I would like to say As we got our cups I was amazed at the temptation that came with wanting to take a picture of my perfectly aesthetic frothy. As I bring my frothy delight to my mouth I smelled the different and spices that had been placed perfectly to shoot right up my nose hole.
That first sip. Oh that first sip. I remember it like it was just yesterday. The cappuccino had such a perfect split between espresso, steamed and foamed milk to provide a rich, flavor. This cup was such an organic taste, that it naturally rolled down into my stomach right where God had predestined it to be so... It was such a short cup but dear readers this was so full that I am at a loss of better words to use.
Below a picture is attached, but for now I must go, for I fear someone is watching...
A cool crisp breeze strings over the cold ground this past Saturday morning. Just as every Saturday begins, I walked with my two friends Wyatt and Jesse to my car, where we would head to a destination unknown to crave the caffeine gaping hole inside of us that we look forward to the night before. I woke up to the sunshine of one thousand rays perfectly gleaming on my darkened arms like a oiled gazelle running through a springy meadow. Perhaps a gazelle running from the life she thought she loved, leaving all her worries behind...
At 9:00 we stumbled into the car with blurry vision, morning clothes, and bed head. That morning we came to the conclusion we would go to a place we had never been before: Fox in the Snow cafe, a place that had recently opened its doors for the first time with open arms to hipsters, soccer moms, and all in-between. We walked into the Army colored building, with a sign of confidence of those who act like they know their coffee.
"Play it cool, Trent. You got this. Just go up and say you want a cup of coffee." I repeat to myself under my breath that smells so bad that I would warn even God himself to not get involved.
"Ill have two cappuccinos" as I speak for my friend Wyatt and I.
"I got this" as I respond to the girl cashier about how to pay.
DARKHORSE! Cappuccino. Even I did not see this coming. Looking back I would like to say As we got our cups I was amazed at the temptation that came with wanting to take a picture of my perfectly aesthetic frothy. As I bring my frothy delight to my mouth I smelled the different and spices that had been placed perfectly to shoot right up my nose hole.
That first sip. Oh that first sip. I remember it like it was just yesterday. The cappuccino had such a perfect split between espresso, steamed and foamed milk to provide a rich, flavor. This cup was such an organic taste, that it naturally rolled down into my stomach right where God had predestined it to be so... It was such a short cup but dear readers this was so full that I am at a loss of better words to use.
Below a picture is attached, but for now I must go, for I fear someone is watching...
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
October 15th, 2014 - Stauf's
Today I walked into a room surrounded by wooden barrels full of coffee beans; over 50 different beans home roasted to perfection with different flavors, concentrations, and nationalities all over. Stauf's, Columbus Ohio's very own, is a small micro roasting coffee shop that provides the biggest bean diversity my young eyes have seen. I once thought that I had found my niche of coffee, but I found myself lost in the rich culture of home roasting.
I knew from the get go that a long day's worth of homework and studying called for a french press; however dear readers I am certain you are stumbling at the edge of your seat "WHICH BEAN WILL HE BUY?!" Fear not, friends! Although I am a novice at coffee drinking, I am a veteran at acting casual:
"I'll have the darkest bean you guys got"
My barista, who's name will remain confidential, brought me the Sumutra French Roast to give me w whiff. I smelled a million different flavors: it was oaky, yet soft; bitter, but tender. I was thrilled to dive in onto what I later found out was a synonym for motor oil. This roast was rather bitter, however it was still accessible, all while holding out it's nutty concentration. I am confident that I will not be able to sleep from this mid day caffeine.
Over all, Stauf's receives a 8.93/10 seen through its service and high quality in bean knowledge. The last thing I want dear readers is for you to think I am quick to give an easy grade. Fo not! Stauf's has set the standard high, and I can only imagine it will be tough to beat. But now I must go, I promise I wont be long.
Adios.
I knew from the get go that a long day's worth of homework and studying called for a french press; however dear readers I am certain you are stumbling at the edge of your seat "WHICH BEAN WILL HE BUY?!" Fear not, friends! Although I am a novice at coffee drinking, I am a veteran at acting casual:
"I'll have the darkest bean you guys got"
My barista, who's name will remain confidential, brought me the Sumutra French Roast to give me w whiff. I smelled a million different flavors: it was oaky, yet soft; bitter, but tender. I was thrilled to dive in onto what I later found out was a synonym for motor oil. This roast was rather bitter, however it was still accessible, all while holding out it's nutty concentration. I am confident that I will not be able to sleep from this mid day caffeine.
Over all, Stauf's receives a 8.93/10 seen through its service and high quality in bean knowledge. The last thing I want dear readers is for you to think I am quick to give an easy grade. Fo not! Stauf's has set the standard high, and I can only imagine it will be tough to beat. But now I must go, I promise I wont be long.
Adios.
As I dive into a world unknown of what seems to pump the blood of college kids all over, I find myself falling more in love with coffee each and every day. As Columbus, Ohio's biggest fan and native, I am in search for the best coffee shop in Columbus. There are many shops, and stores that some claim to have the best, but outside of bias, I want to have as much coffee as possible to see not only who has the best coffee, but atmosphere, music, and employee service. Outside of the coffee shop scene, I will also post about different coffee makers/machines, different forms of coffee as I dive into a whole new world. In Columbus, and in the rest of the world, there are limited physical locations that serve coffee; however, the ways coffee can be served are endless.
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